Province to provide financial support for those impacted by Tantallon Fire

CITYnews halifax \ By Dan Ahlstrand

The province of Nova Scotia will be providing each eligible household impacted by the fire in Tantallon with $500 to help cover expenses.

“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by these fires. We know you are experiencing uncertainty and distress. We see that and want to try to ease a small portion of the financial stress,” said Premier Houston. “This funding can help with urgent needs such as food and personal care items while people are displaced.”

The Canadian Red Cross will assist in administering the funding, and full details will be released on Tuesday.

The province is also helping to pay the fuel expenses for volunteer firefighters who are working to get control of the fire.

“Our firefighters are saving lives, homes and communities. More support will make it easier for them to be the heroes they are,” said Premier Houston. “Volunteer firefighters shouldn’t have to pay their own mileage to go from their house to a call in another community, and when departments send trucks and gear around the province, they shouldn’t have to dip into their community resources to do so. We are fixing this going forward.”

The Province is also declaring a provincewide burn ban because of the seriousness of the current fires. The ban will remain in place until June 25 unless the Province determines it can be lifted sooner.